>> Tuesday, May 31, 2016

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Despite
poll violence in Abra and Kalinga elections in Cordillera was “generally peaceful and orderly” due to
voter’s education program, and growing political maturity among politicians and
supporters in the region.

Chief Supt. Ulysses
Abellera, regional police director, bared this saying election-related violence
and incidents in Abra and Kalinga were immediately dealt with by law enforcers.

“We have to give
credit to the growing awareness of our voters on the importance of the conduct
of the elections coupled with discipline of our politicians and their
supporters to be engaged in activities that will not trigger untoward incidents
resulting to loss of lives and inflict serious damage to properties,” Abellera
said.

He said there was
significant reduction of election-related violence and incidents committed in
the region during the 2013 mid-term elections compared to recent polls.

Statistics bared from
April 2012 up to the May 2013 mid-term elections, there were 136 election-related
violence and incidents while there were only 97 election-related incidents and
violence during the period April 2015 up to May 2016.

The full alert of the
Philippine National Police (PNP) has been downgraded to heightened alert,
Abellera said.

But he added the 4,000
regional police force remains vigilant for post-election violence.

There were no
election-related violence and incidents that were reported in Apayao, Baguio
City, Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province before, during and after election
season, he added.